Being Julia

In the sweltering summer of 1938 London, the illustrious actress Julia Lambert (Julia) finds herself at a crossroads, her once-luminous career now waning with the passing of time. As she approaches middle age, Julia's disenchantment with her profession grows, prompting her to implore her husband, stage director Michael Gosselyn, and his financial backer Dolly de Vries to shutter her current production, allowing her to embark on a much-needed journey abroad. However, they persuade her to remain with the play throughout the summer, leaving Julia feeling suffocated by the constraints of her life.

The ghostly presence of her mentor, Jimmie Langton, a theatrical manager who propelled Julia to stardom, looms large in the background, offering counsel and words of wisdom. In private moments, Julia confesses to Evie, her personal maid, dresser, and confidante, that she yearns to surrender to her desires and retire from the spotlight, allowing her to indulge in guilty pleasures like devouring salad-free meals and sipping beer to her heart's content.

Michael introduces Julia to Tom Fennel, a charming American entrepreneur, who professes his deep admiration for her work. Though she remains devoted to Michael, Julia finds herself longing for the passion they once shared, and is desperate to fill the void left by her former lover, Lord Charles, who has recently ended their affair.

As Julia becomes reinvigorated by her relationship with Tom, she begins to support his aspirations, showering him with luxuries and introducing him to the glamorous lifestyle she knows so well. This newfound passion sparks a profound transformation in Julia's personality, imbuing her with a sense of vitality and joie de vivre.

However, Michael suggests they invite Tom to join them at their country estate, where he can become better acquainted with their son, Roger, who is only slightly younger. At a party held at the estate, Tom meets aspiring actress Avice Crichton, and Julia's jealousy ignites when she witnesses him lavishing attention on the captivating young woman. As tensions escalate, Tom reveals his true nature: a callous, social-climbing, gold-digging gigolo. Yet, Julia is reluctant to terminate the affair, her desires and vulnerabilities clouding her judgment.

As Avice's romantic connection with Tom deepens, she asks him to arrange a meeting with Julia, hoping that the actress will use her influence to secure a supporting role in Julia's upcoming project. The play itself is an unmitigated disaster, with Avice struggling to elevate its poor quality. In the wings, Julia barely acknowledges Avice, instead lavishing praise on her even more woeful co-star. Her words are empty, and Avice is left feeling belittled and undervalued.

The evening's events take a further turn when Tom is forced to confess his love for Avice, prompting Julia to end their affair and feign graciousness as she does so. In reality, Julia is devastated by Tom's admission, but she conceals her true feelings beneath a veneer of politeness. Meanwhile, she assures Avice that she will insist the younger woman be cast in her next play.

As Julia's performance begins to suffer due to her personal turmoil, Michael closes the production, sending her into a tailspin. Seeking solace, Julia visits her mother and Aunt Carrie in Jersey, where Lord Charles arrives to offer his condolences. He gently reveals that he is gay, and the two share a warm and humorous moment as they agree to remain close friends.

Back in London, Avice auditions for Michael and is cast in a key supporting role, marking a turning point in her career. Julia returns home to prepare for her new play, but her focus is soon diverted by news from her son that Avice has been one of Michael's casual conquests. Despite this revelation, Julia displays an unexpected degree of kindness towards the younger woman, offering suggestions and advice that place Avice firmly in the spotlight.

As opening night approaches, Julia makes a crucial decision, discarding her understated costume to don an extravagant ensemble. On stage, she improvises her lines and movements with abandon, leaving Avice feeling bewildered and embarrassed. However, Avice quickly recovers, earning laughter and applause from the audience as she navigates the unexpected turn of events.

In the pivotal moment that follows, Julia improvises a dramatic and comedic monologue, confronting Avice's character for pursuing affairs with both Tom and Michael. Avice is left stunned and heartbroken, weeping uncontrollably on stage as Julia triumphantly concludes her speech and exits to thunderous applause.

As the curtain falls on the evening's performance, Michael (character) takes center stage in a heartfelt encounter with Julia. With sincerity and admiration, he extols her virtues, proclaiming her a true masterpiece on the night's theatrical canvas. The pair shares a warm and intimate embrace, radiating joy and contentment.

Following this emotional interlude, Michael makes his way to Avice's dressing room, where he finds her consumed by a tantrum of epic proportions. Her anger is palpable as she unleashes a litany of curses directed at Julia's name. Michael calmly intervenes, informing Avice that their creative decisions are now set in motion – the revised play will feature Julia's triumphant ending. He then gently reminds her of the contractual obligations they've both agreed to, emphasizing the commitment they've made for several weeks of performances.

Meanwhile, Tom, visibly uneasy and affected by the tumultuous atmosphere, makes a discreet exit, seeking solace elsewhere.

As the evening's festivities unfold, Julia chooses to skip the opening night party altogether, instead opting for a solitary dinner at her favorite restaurant. With a sense of liberation, she declares her desire to dine "quite alone" and indulges in a celebratory glass of beer, savoring the quiet and reveling in her own company.